A global convention is needed to prevent the growing problem of trafficking in organs, tissues, and cells to protect victims and prosecute criminal offenders, says a joint report by the United Nations and the Council of Europe.

Such an accord is necessary “not to jeopardise the donation system based on altruism, both from living and from deceased donors, which must be the basis of the organ transplantation system,” it says.

Trafficking in organs, tissues, and cells is responsible for massive violations of human rights and exploitation of …